When to Have Tetanus Toxoid Vaccine for Pregnant Women

I just had my monthly prenatal checkup yesterday. It was also the same day when I received my first shot for tetanus toxoid. And for this post, I have nothing better to share than giving you some insights about this immunization against tetanus that every pregnant women must have.

What is tetanus toxoid? Well, according to Baby Center, it is a vaccine that protects pregnant woman as well as the developing fetus against a life-threatening disease caused by the toxin of Clostridium tetani or simply called as tetanus.

This bacterium, which enters the body through an open wound, could damage the nervous system. And when left untreated, it could lead to death. But through immunization, such circumstances could be prevented. Another good reason why tetanus toxoid vaccine is very important because it helps in preventing premature delivery.

Probably you would like to know when to receive this TT vaccine shots.

First dose is given in the first trimester as soon as the pregnancy test yielded a positive result. This will provide around 80% protection to the mother against tetanus for the first delivery.  For the second dose, an interval of 4-8 weeks after the first dose is required before it will be given. Some experts suggest that it would be  best if the second shot will be given 4 weeks before the expected delivery date. With TT2, the mother can ensure of a 3-year protection against tetanus and the infant born to the mother is safeguarded against neonatal tetanus. And the percentage of protection guaranteed is about 80%.

In my case, since I have a history of miscarriage, my obgyne decided to give me the first dose of tetanus toxoid on my 6th month of pregnancy and that already falls on my second trimester. For my second dose, it is scheduled next month, which is my 7th month of pregnancy.

The third dose of tetanus toxoid vaccine is given at least 6 months after. The infants born to the mother can expect for as high a 95% protection against neonatal tetanus. Meanwhile, for the mother, she can guarantee for a 5-year protection.

The fourth dose is given at least 1 year later and the mother can expect for a 10-year protection against tetanus while the infants born can guarantee of a 99% protection against neonatal tetanus.

Meanwhile, for the last dose of tetanus toxoid vaccine, it is given at least after 1 year and all infants born to that mother can expect for a 99% protection against neonatal tetanus. In the part of the mother, TT5 assures her of a lifetime protection.

*TT ImmunizationSchedule Source: Wikipedia